INTRODUCTION

TO LETTERING
 • At the end of the lesson, the student should be
able to:
1.Produce neat, precise, and legible freehand
lettering.
• Lettering is an important part of drawing. It
gives information regarding size, and
instructions, in the form of notes and
dimension. On a drawing, whole of the
written information is always in the form
of lettering.
•Letter- a character representing one or more of the
sounds used in speech; any of the symbols of an
alphabet.
•Stroke- a mark made by drawing a pen, pencil, or
paintbrush in one direction across paper or canvass.
WHAT IS LETTERING?

•Lettering is an umbrella term that covers the art of drawing letters,

instead of simply writing them. Lettering is considered an art form,
where each letter in a phrase or quote acts as an illustration. Each letter
is created with attention to detail and has a unique role within a 
composition. Lettering is created as an image, with letters that are meant
to be used in a unique configuration. Lettering words do not usually
translate into alphabets that can later be used in font since they are
created with a specific word in mind. 
SOME PENCIL TECHNIQUES THAT YOU CAN USE IN LETTERING:

1.The best pencil for lettering on most surfaces are the

H, F, and HB grades.
2.The best pencil for lettering on most surfaces are the
H, F, and HB grades.
3.Hold your pencil in the position shown. It should
make approximately a 60 degree angle with the paper.
PENCIL LEAD DESIGNATION
FREEHAND LETTERING
•Developing good lettering is a personal skill which takes
practice. Letters must be formed properly. They must be open
shaped very legible.
• Clear communication is essential to avoid mistakes and
reduce waste. Lettering may be done using a drafting type
pencil, lead holder or technical pen. Which ever tool is used,
the letters must properly formed and very black.
STEPS IN FREEHAND LETTERING:
1.Pull the pencil or pen across the paper. All lettering
strokes should be a pulling motion.
2.Right-handed and lefthanded drafters may have to
develop different styles for forming letters.
3.Press down hard when using a pencil.
• Vertical capital letters are preferred for most technical work. They are
formed within a 6 by 6 grid.
STRAIGHT LINE LETTERS

Most letters are slightly narrower than they are tall. The shapes of the letters are as
open as possible. Letters with small loops and crossing strokes are avoided.
• This sequence is recommended to assure that each letter is the correct width in relation in height.
For example, form the two vertical sides of the “H”, “N” and “M” first. Form the top of the “T” first.
• The “H” and “N” are slightly narrower than they are tall. The “T” and the “M” are just as wide as
they are tall Note: Proportion: width vs. height is very important in forming letters.
• Note: The style of lettering that we are going to use is the SINGLE STROKE
GOTHIC LETTERING.
SOME COMMON MISTAKES IN LETTERING
GUIDES IN LETTERING
LETTERING WITH FRACTIONS